STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2010-02
MANUAL: Alaska Food Stamp Program
DATE: April 1, 2010
We are making several changes to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy and align policies within our program policy manuals. This includes:
An Eligibility Review Form (GEN 72) may be used as an initial application form if it is received in the month following a case closure. The case closure may be for any reason.
Interface verification policies are changed to more clearly describe when an interface must be checked. It is no longer necessary to check all interfaces at each application, recertification, or review.
Beginning December 19, 2009, Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants are treated the same as refugees and are not subject to a five-year bar.
A non-transferable Limited Entry Fishing Permit is an exempt resource.
Funds held in a dedicated account established to hold a minor's retroactive SSI benefits are an exempt resource.
Vehicle resource policies have been clarified in the Family Medicaid, Food Stamp, and Temporary Assistance program manuals. Staff can now accept a client's statement for vehicle value, ownership, and use. Additional verification will only be necessary if the information is questionable.
Income received from the lease of a Limited Entry Fishing Permit is treated as unearned rental income.
Other changes are either technical in nature or clarifications that are the result of policy questions or suggestions from the field.
Other highlights to policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3382 or e-mail dpapolicy@alaska.gov.
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
MS 601-2 A What Is An Acceptable Application Form?
Clarifies that the GEN 72, Eligibility Review Form, can be accepted as an initial application in the month following case closure regardless of the reason for closure.
MS 601-4 A Verification Requirements for Initial Application
Clarifies which interfaces must be checked at every application and review, and which should be checked if the caseworker receives questionable information.
MS 602-1 A Exceptions to Household Definitions
Clarifies that children who are not under parental control are not required to be added to the Food Stamp case.
MS 602-1 D Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status
Adds Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants to the list of qualified aliens.
Adds Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants to the list of alien eligibility requirements that must be met in addition to being a qualified alien.
Adds information about the type of proof that may be used to verify Afghan and Iraqi special immigrant status.
MS 602-2 B Exempt Resources
Clarifies that a Limited Entry Fishing Permit that Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) has classified as non-transferable has no value.
Clarifies that funds held in a dedicated account are exempt.
MS 602-2 C Vehicles
Clarifies that staff can now accept a client's statement for vehicle value, ownership, and use. Additional verification will only be necessary if the information is questionable.
MS 602-3 B Unearned Income
Clarifies that rental income received in a lump sum shall be averaged over the months of intended use.
Clarifies that income from the lease of a limited entry fishing permit is considered unearned rental income.
MS 602-4 D Allowable Medical Expenses
Clarifies expenses for service animals are not limited to dogs.
MS 602-4 E Shelter Deduction
Clarifies lease agreements and /or contact with the landlord are acceptable forms of verification of shelter and utility expenses.
Clarifies that shelter or utility expenses are allowed if in a non-household member’s name as long as the household can verify they are responsible for the expense.
MS 604-2 E Verification Requirements: Recertification
Clarifies which interfaces must be checked at every application and review, and which should be checked if the caseworker receives questionable information.
MS 604-3 A Semi-Annual Reporting
Adds note to clarify that reports of change which result from clients moving from one area of the state to another may result in a change to their benefit.
MS 605-2 C Non-household Members
Clarifies that children are not generally considered visitors in their parent's home.
MS 605-2 D Income From Self-Employment
Clarifies that rental income received in a lump sum shall be averaged over the months of intended use.
Clarifies that income from the lease of a limited entry fishing permit is considered unearned rental income.
Updates link for caseworkers to view documents used to verify alien status.
Adds information about Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants.
Updates list of approved treatment centers.